Manufacture of sheet-metal cans.



No. 67|,639. Patented Apr. 9, l90l.

v E. SMALL, Decd.v

M. SMALL, Administratrix. MANUFACTURE OF SHEET METAL CANS.

(Application filed Sept. 5, 19004; (No Model.) 10 Sheets-Shoat l.

20199765565 Iwverwbr No. mess. Patented A rfe, [90L E. SMALL, Decd.

M. SMALL, Adminisfratrix. MANUFACTURE OF SHEET METAL CANS.

' (Application filed Sept. 5, 1900.)

(No llodol.) l0 Sheots5hoet 2.

No. 67|,639. Patented Apr. 9, 1901.

E. SMALL, Decd. m. SMALL, Administratfix. MANUFACTURE OF SHEET METALCANS.

(Application filed Sept. 5, IBQO.) (No Model.) IO'Sheats-Sheet 3.

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Patented Apr. 9, 19m,

E. SMALL, Decd. H. SMALL, Administratrix. MANUFACTURE OF SHEETHEIALLFANS.

(Application filed Sept. 5, 1900.)

(lo mam l0 Sheets-Sheet 4.

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No. 67l,639. Patented Apr. 9, [90L E. SMALL, Decd.

M. SMALL, Administratrix. MANUFACTURE OF SHEET METAL CANS.

(Application fil'ea' Sept. 5; 1900.) (No Model.) l0 Sheet's--Shaet 5.

PETRSOO MDTOJJFNO WSNNUTOND 2 I e P" w H gig/3.

No. 67!,639. Patented Apr. 9, l90l. E. SMALL, Decd.

M. SMALL, Administratrix.

MANUFACTURE OF SHEET METAL CANS.

(Application filed Sept. 5, 1900.) (No Model.) In Sheets-Shoet 6.

20/71165565} .Zivenir No.- 67l,639. Patented Apr. 9, l90l.

E. SMALL, Dacd.

M. SMALL, Administratrix. MANUFACTURE OF SHE ET METAL CANS.

(Applicaticin filed Sept. 5, 1900.)

(No Model.) [0 Shouts- 8M 7.

mzymws Pink: 00., mutual, wuulunvol. u c.

No. 67|,639. Patented Apr. 9, I90l. E. SMALL, Decd.

M. SMALL, Adminisirairix.

MANUFACTURE OF SHEET METAL CANS.

(Application filed Sept. 5, 1900.) V (No Model.) l0 Sheets$heat 8.

ZU/fives 565. B 0027727 No. 671,639. Patented Apr. 9, l90l.

E. SMALL, Decd.

ll. SIIALL, Administrairix.

MANUFACTURE OF SHEET METAL CANS. (Appliution filed Sept. 5, 1900.)

(No Model.) I0 Shee'ks-$hoet 9.

A a A fivazufor m: nonms PETU'G o0. moraumq, wumnomn. o. c.

No. 67l,639. Q Patented Apr. 9, l90l. v E. SMALL, Decd.

M. SMALL,-Administra trix. MANUFACTURE OF SHEET METAL CAMS.

(Application filed Sept. 5, 1900.

(No Model.)

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFIQE.

EDWARD SMALL, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND; MARY SMALL ADMINlSTRA TRIX OF SAIDEDWARD SMALL, DECEASED.

MANUFACTURE OF SHEETj-METAL CANS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent- No. 671,639, dated April9, 1901. I

Application filed September 5, 1900 Serial No. 29,076. LNo model.)

To wZZ whom it may concern: hook-forming dies in their various positionsBe it known that I, EDWARD SMALL, acitifor forming up the deep hook atone edge of zen of the United States, residing at the city the sheath.Fig. is a View corresponding of Baltimore, in the State of Maryland,have. to Fig. 4., showing the hook-forming dies ad- 5 invented certainnewand useful Improvevanced, as shown in detail in Fig 4. Fig. 6

ments Relating to the Manufacture of Sheetis a similar view showing theformers retract- Metal Cans and Like Articles; and I do here- .cd andthe hooked sheet in position to be opby declare the following to be'afull, clear, erated upon by said formers. Fig. 7 is a simiand exactdescription of the same, reference lar view showing the formersadvancing and to being had to the accompanying drawings, operating uponthe sheet to curl the same forming a part of this specification, and toaround the mandrel. Fig. 8 is a similar view the letters of referencemarked thereon. with the formers in a somewhat more ad- This inventionrelates to improvements in vanced position and with the hooked edges themanufacture of sheet-metal vessels, cans, about to engage. Fig. 9 is adetail of the I5 and like articles usually having a body porseam whichis made by the formers advanct-ion formed up from a sheet of metal andits ing so as to embrace the mandrel tightly and edges united, formingwhat is known as the meet at a point opposite the seam, thereby sidescam, the said body portion being causing the hooks to curl up in themanner adapted toreceive heads orendsforclosing the shown. Fig. 10 is aView of the clamp and 7c 20 same; and the invention has for its objectsto the flanging-dies carried by the former. Fig. simplify themanufacture of such articles, to 10 is a view of the sheet of metaladapted reduce the number of steps required inv mato be operated upon.Fig. ll is a view cornipulating the sheet metal, and to provide aresponding to Fig. 10, with the clamp decompact simple mechanism forperforming pressed and thedies advanced to flange the 25 the varioussteps automatically. sheet. Fig. 11 is anedge view of the sheet Brieflystated, in carrying the invention after being flanged, beaded, andhooked. into practice each of the sheets of sheet metal Fig. 12 is afront elevation of the clamp, formintended for the formation of the bodyporers, and dies, with the operating mechanism tion is while in itssubstantially flat state opfor the latter. ,Fig. 12 is an edge view at3o erated upon to form interlocking books on its right angles to Fig.11, showing the form of side edges and, if desired, flanges upon its thehooks at the edges of the sheet. Fig. 13 top and bottom edges, and thenby a single is a cross-section through the can-body and subsequentoperation of two cooperating the-bottom or permanenthead before theparts formers the sheet'is given its form, the hook are united. Fig. 14is a similar view after the 5 edges joined, and the seam formed andgiven parts are united. Fig. 15 is a detail perspecits ultimate andfinal set without the'employtive view of the mandrel. Fig. 16 is adetail ment of other mechanical appliances, and sectional view of one ofthe pushers for disfinally the head is inserted without thenecescharging the can-body from the mandrel. Fig. sity of moving thebody, all as will be here- 17 is a plan view of the blank-pusher-operato40 inafter described. ing mechanism. Fig. 18 is a plan view of theReferring to the accompanying drawings, table over which the blanks aremoved to the Figure 1 is a perspective view of one side of a mandrelsand formers. Fig. 18 is a detail of machine for forming cans inaccordance with the intermediate pusher. Fig. 19 is a vertimy presentinvention. Fig. 2 is a similar cal section on the line 0000, Fig. 18.Figs. 20 5 5 view showing the movable parts of the bodyand 21 are frontelevations of a mandrel and forming mechanism without thesupportingformers for making rectangular vessels or frame and bearings.Fig. 3 is a side elevacans. Figs. 22 and 23 are similar views of tion ofthe complete machine, partly in secapparatus designed for the formationof outtion. Fig. 4 is a transverse section through side side seams. Fig.24 is a sectional view I00 50 themand'rel,the formers,the clamp,andhookthrough a flat blank with the seam-hooks forming dies. Figs. 4 49,and 4 show the formed at the edges. Figs. 25, 25*, 25", and

25 are detail views illustrating different suecessive phases in theformation of an outside seam. Figs. 26, 26 26 and 26 are similar viewsillustrating the formation of an inside seam. Figs. 27, 27, and 27 aresimilar views illustrating the formation of another outside seam. Figs.28, 28 29, and 29 are side elevations and cross-sections of differentforms of mandrels.

Like letters of reference in the several figures indicate the sameparts. i

The particular machine shown for the purposes of illustrating my presentimprovements is designed for the formation of sheetmetal cans having onepermanent end or a bottom and one open end adapted to receive aremovable cover, and while I shall describe my improvements specificallyin connection with such a machine it is obvious that features of theinvention may be embodied in other machines and the invention carriedinto practice in the manufacture of cans having either round or corneredbodies and with either in= side or outside seams, and hence I do notwish to be limited in these particulars.

In the accompanying drawings, Figs. 1 and 3, the letter A indicates aframework for the operative parts of the machine, which may be of anydesired formation, but is preferably adapted for the reception of a maindriveshaft B at a point near the floor, and at the top is adapted tosupport a housing 0, or where the machine is a double machine, asillustrated, two housings O, carrying the parts of the mechanism whichare adapted to cooperate directly with the sheet of metal to be formedinto a can-body.

When the machine is a double machine, the actual forming mechanisms arearranged back to back, so to speak, and a single feeding mechanism isadapted to feed the blanks or sheets first to one and then to the other.Thus the mechanisms alternate in the formation of the cans, and it willbe sufficient for the purposes of the present specification to describeone of the mechanisms in detail.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, it will be seen that a mandrel D issupported in a horizontal position immediately above the top of thesupporting-frame, but with its upper portion in substantial alinementwith the guides (1, over which the blanks are fed to a point immediatelyabove the mandrel. Sliding on the top of the frame or in guides E,formed or mounted thereon, are oppositely arranged reciprocatory formersF, each having a semicylindrical concavity adapted to surround one-half,or approximately one-half, of the mandrel and at their lower edges tocome approximately together, so as to crowd all of the metal in thesheet which is wrapped around the mandrel forward to a single point, aswill be hereinafterexplained. These formers are adapted to bereciprocated toward and from each other and the mandrel D by bellcranklevers f, journaled in the frame, connected with the formers at one end,and havand 4 ing at their opposite ends projections orantifriction-rollers adapted to cooperate with a grooved cam f on thedrive-shaft B.

The housing 0, extending over and about the mandrel and former, supportsthe vertically movable clamp or initial former G, adapted to be raisedby springs g, surrounding the upper ends of the clamp-supporting rods'9, and to be depressed by cams G, mounted on a shaft G journaled in thehousing. The shaft G is rocked by a crank-arm G connected by a link Gwith a crank-arm H on the rock-shaft H The latter shaft is in turnrocked by a crank-arm H on a secondary drive-shaft or rocker H receivingits motion from the main drive-shaft through a connecting-rod H Theclamp G carries a central movable clamp bar D, preferably spring-pressedand lying horizontally in vertical line with the axis of the mandrel andin position to press upon the top of the mandrel and clamp a blank orplate thereto whenever the clamp G is depressed. Thus, assuming that ablank'has been passed in between the clamp and mandrel, when the clampdescends the blank will be held firmly against the mandrel and with itslateral extensions projecting over the formers F, as shown clearly inFigs. 4? Dies'for bending up the edges of the blank when clamped in thismanner are carried by the formers themselves and consist, essentially,of two oppositely-operating dies .for giving curved hook-like shapes tothe opposite edges of the blank, as will be presently described indetail, which are adapted to be united to form the side seam and whendesired the flange for the top and bottom of the can-body for thereception of the caps or heads. Extending across or partly across theformers F, on each side of the mandrel, are two grooves I for thereception of the dies proper, which are lettered K and work transverselyof the grooves, being retracted by springs 1', Fig. 4, and advanced byverticallymovable wedges K, cooperating with inclined faces 76 on-thedies, as shown clearly in Figs. 4 and 5. Referring to Figs. 4 4 and 4,it will be seen that the edge of the groove I in the former is cut awayat z" to form a concave, into which the edge of the blank is forced by aprojection 2' on the clamp or initial former G, causing said edge toassume a position shown in Fig. al Then when the die K is advanced saidedge will be given a circular hook formation by being turned in thegroove in the die, as illustrated in Fig. 4. On the lefthand side thedie K has a groove 70 which is adapted simply to turn the edge of theblank downwardly into a hook h, Fig. 6, of less radius than the hook kon the right-hand edge.

Simultaneously with the formation of the hook edges on the blank orsheet it may be desirable to prepare the top and bottom edges for thereception of the top and bottom of the can or vessel, and for thispurpose the clamp G is provided with grooves or recesses g g, Figs. 10and 11, and the formers F are provided on their ends with inclines fupon which dies L may be reciprocated. The dies L atthe rear end areprovided with beads 9 adapted to cooperate with the groove g to form abead around the open end of the can, and the die L at the opposite endis adapted to cooperate with the recess 9 to form a flared mouth orflange, as shown clearly by the edge rim of the blank, Fig. 11, for thereception of the bottom, which is united thereto by having the edges ofthe bottom and said flange curled together or seamed by a die-scanner M,Fig. 1, as will be presently explained. The dies L are preferablyconnected across the outer sides of the formers F and are adapted to beadvanced by wedges N, which are held in suitable slideways and movevertically, the reverse movement of the dies L being secured bysprings 1. (Shown clearly in Fig. 12.)

For the purpose of raising and lowering the wedges orinclines K theshaft H is provided with cam-arms K cooperating with suitablebearing-surfaces formed by openings K in the body of the wedges, and forthe purpose of raising and lowering the wedges N the shaft H is providedwith arms N, which cooperate with studs or projections N on the wedges.

In each instance, however, the connection between the cam or arm and thewedges is a loose connection, so as to allow the cams or Wedges toremain or rest in either their retracted or advanced position while thecams or arms move part of the Way back. This, however, may becompensated for in other ways and, except as illustrating a means foraccomplishing'the desired end, it is not considered essential incarrying out the invention.

Having formed the edge hooks and, when desired, the bead at the top andflange at the bottom, as described, the clamp-plate G is raisedslightly, the formers F are retracted, as shown in Fig. 6, and the edgesof the blank dropping into the space between the formers will bedepressed slightly by pushers O, which are preferably spring-pressed andwill deflect the ends of the blank a sufficient distance to cause themto pass into the concavities in the faces of the formers when theformers are next advanced, and said pushers having their edges beveledwill then ride up upon the top surface of the formers, as indicated inFig. 7. The edges of the blank having been started into the concaves,the blank will be bent around substantially indicated in Fig. 7, and asthe formers continue to advance it will be wrapped completely around themandrel. As the edges come together it is essential that one should passwithin the other in order that the books may properly engage in everyinstance, and while this resultis assured by the oppositely-curvedformation of the hooked edges in most instances, yet I prefer to provideone of the formers with a linger or plate 0, which will cause that sideof the blank to advance somewhat more rapidly and the pressure exertedby the formers in closing across the seam will give the seam a permanentset, thereby dispensing with the necessity of employing a separatepresser for forming the seam after the formers have completed theirstroke.

The shape of the hook edges of the sheetmetal blank is a very importantfactorin the formation of seams in sheet-metal vessels in accordancewith the principles of my present invention, and I have deemed itexpedient to illustrate the same in several diiferent combinations forforming eitherinside or outside seams. It will be noted that the booksat each of the edges (see particularly Fig. 24) are turned in oppositedirectionsthat is to say, one of the hooks curves downwardly and theother curves upwardly if the blank be held in a horizontal planeand bothhooks are so formed as to avoid any angular formation or corners, theefiect sought being to cause each of the extreme edges of the blank toslide upon or coil into the cooperating edge when pressure is applied ina direction tending to force the edges together in a plane substantiallyradial to the center of the can and seam being formed and whether suchpressure be due to the force resulting from the approach of the formersat right angles to the line indicated or the direct pressure of a formerapproaching in said lines. In the constructions heretofore indicated theformers have been arranged so as to approach the mandrel and vessel fromopposite directions and at right angles to the direction of ulti matepressure upon the seam; but in Figs. 27, 27, and 27 a former isindicated which will approach the mandrel and vessel in a line radial tothe center of the mandrel and seam, and the seam illustrated in thesefigures is an outside seam which conforms to the shape of the insideseam before described, the groove in this instance being in the formerinstead of in the mandrel. One of the hooks is formed to extendthroughout agreatercirculnference of a circle than the other, and in theformation of the seam, Whether it be an inside or an outside scam, thehook having the greatest circumference should form the periphery oroutside of the seam proper, inasmuch as the edge of this hook must turnat such an angle as to crowd into the seam rather than spread out alongthe surface of the blank, as would be the case if it were not extendedaround a sufficient distance. The substantially cylindrical shape giveneach edge of the blank causes each edge to operate as a die or guide forthe cooperating edge and to turn the same inwardly when the blank isheld on each side of the edge or seam and transverse pressure applied tothe overlapped and hooked edges.

Referring again to Fig. 24, it will be seen that the edge of a hook(lettered P) at the therefore lying below the plane of the blank andforming at its juncture with the body of the blank a shoulder 10. Theopposite hook P has its edge extended in the opposite direction to apoint below the plane of the blank, the latter hook being thereforeextended throughout a greater radius than the former hook. One of theresults of this formation is that when the blank is curled around themandrel, as indicated in Figs. 22 and 23, the shoulder p will cause thehook P to stand in against the surface of the mandrel, as indicted inFig. 25 and the books will be caused to engage properly without theemployment of any special mechanism other than the formers and mandrelthemselves,

because the two edges of the blank will approach each other in slightlydifferent planes, and the curvature of the ends of the hooks will causethem to snap past each other, even though they should contact before theedges have actually passed. This effect will be readily appreciated fromFigs. 25 to 25, and from these figures it will be seen that as theformers continue to approach the hook edges of the blank will firstassume the position indicated in Fig. 25, and upon the further movementthey will be pressed into the position indicated in Fig. 25 and finallyas the formers reach their ultimate position the seam will be presseddown into the shape or substantially the shape indicated in Fig. 25.

In the formation of the seam as thus far described I have shown a grooveeither in the mandrel or in the former or formers for giving theultimate shape to the seam, (either round or slightly flattened;) but itis not necessary in the formation of a practical seam that groovesshould be employed to give the ultimate shape to the seam, inasmuch asthe formation of the hooked edges is such, as before stated, that theywill each operate as a guide or die for the other, and in Figs. 26, 26*,26 and 26 I have illustrated a mandrel having simply a flattened face Qto form a space in which the seam may lie, the formers in this instancesimply operating to. wrap the blank around the mandrel, as indicated inFig. 26, and as they continue to approach to cause the edges to overlap,as in Fig. 26, and as the pressure is continued saidedges will commenceto curl together, as in Fig. 26 and as the formers reach their ultimatepositions the seam will be slightly flattened down against the flatsurface of the mandrel and given its ultimate set, as in Fig. 26.

While the can-body is held on the mandrel, the bottom is applied by thedie M, which is cated in Fig. 3 on the left-hand side.

mounted to reciprocate in a bracket M the mechanism for reciprocating itconsisting of a pair of arms M having forked upper ends engaging rollersm on the shank of the die and mounted on a shaft M, journaled in thebracket and adapted to be oscillated by an arm M the lower end of whichis provided with a stud working in the groove M of a cam M 'on the maindrive-shaft B. The die M is made magnetic or provided in its face with amagnet-such, for instance, as indicated in dotted lines at M for thepurpose of holding the heads or ends of the can in the face of the diewhile it is advancing to place the same in the end of the can-body andform the seam uniting the two.

In order to facilitate the placing of the heads in the die M, ahead-feeder R is pro- Vided on a bracket R immediately in front of thedie and in such position as to swing from a horizontal to a verticalposition, as indicated by the dotted and full lines in Fig 3. For thepurpose of giving it this movement it is provided with a projection ortooth r, with which a corresponding projection or tooth 'r" on the dieis adapted to come in contact as the die retreats to the position indi-The feeding of the heads istherefore a practically simple matter,inasmuch as they may be placed in the feeder R by hand or automaticallyone at a time, and as the die retreats the feeder will turn upwardly andbring the head into contact with the die and its contained magnet, bywhich it will be held, and as the die advances at the next operation thefeeder will be turned down into horizontal position ready for thereception of another head.

The particular formation of the seam for attaching the bottoms or headsin the canbody need not be described specifically herein, inasmuch asitis similar to that described in my prior patent, No. 509,466.

The connecting-rod H for oscillating the shaft H may extend down, asindicated in Fig. 3, and be connected by an arm P with a shaft P, whichlatter shaft is in turn oscillated by an arm. P having a stud projectinginto a groove P in a cam P on the main driveshaft B, and when themachine is made in the form of a double machine the shaft P isprovidedwith a second arm P, projecting in the opposite direction andconnected by a second rod H with the corresponding parts of the otherbody-forming mechanism.

The fiat metal blanks from which the body of the cans are formed havingone corner clipped off, as in Fig.,1l and in my prior patented machinesreferred to, are fed into the space between the two body-formingmechanisms from the side of the frame, and from this space they arepushed alternately to the said body-forming mechanisms by automaticmeans, to be now described. Referring particularly to Figs. 18, 19, 18,and 17, which illustrate the feeding mechanism, it will be seen that apusher Q, made in the form of a cantaliver, is provided in the spacebetween the two body-forming mechanisms and adapted to be reciprocatedback and forth between said mechanisms by the upper end of an arm Q,Fig. 3, carried by a rock-shaft Q and p erated by a second arm Q throughthe medium of a link Q cooperating with a cam Q mounted on the maindrive-shaft. The cantaliver form of the pusher Q causes the same to betilted with the front edge upwardly in position to engage the blanklying on the table when the pusher is moved in either direction, thepusher being therefore, in effect, a double-acting one. In order to feedthe blanks into the space between the bod y-forming mechanism and in aposition for being advanced by the pusher Q, the guides d are extendedout to one side of the frame, and two transversely-operating pushers Qare adapted to work through between the guides or table I) to advancethe blanks, as before stated, the blanks being placed in front of thepushers Q by an operator. It is of course desirable that the blanksshould be advanced alternately, and for this purpose the drivingmechanism or operating devices for the pushers Q are arranged asfollows: Both the pushers Q and frame Q are adapted to slide on the topplate of the machine, and the frame Q is reciprocated in unison with thepushers, but through a somewhat less range of movement, by beingconnected with the arm Q by a pin q, located nearer the fulcrum of thearm than the connection between said arm and pusher, as shown clearly inFig. 3. This casting Q is provided with a lateral extension g slottedfor cooperation with a stud or antifriction-roller on the center arm ofa double bell-crank or T lever Q arranged horizontally on the top plateof the machineframe, Fig. 17. The two oppositely-extending arms of thelever Q are connected by links Q with swinging arms q, the ends of whichin turn are provided with stud projections (1 working in slots Q in theunder faces of the pushers Q The result of this arrangement is that whenthe arm Q is oscillated the intermediate pushers are reciprocatedbetween the two body-forming mechanisms and the pushers Q arealternately advanced to deliver a blank on the appropriate side iirfront of the pushers Q for delivery to one of the body-formingmechanisms as the pusher Q makes another movement.

From the foregoing the sequence of operations in the formation of acan-body in accordance with my present invention will be readilyunderstood. Blanks taken from a pile by an operator are presented to thepushers Q which will move them into the space between the twobodyforming mechanisms, or they may be placed in position by theoperator if the pushers Q are not used, and the pusher Q will thenadvance the blanks to one or the other of the forming mechanisms at theproper instant or when the clamp G is elevated and the formers Fadvanced. As

the blank reaches its proper position beneath the clamp the latterdescends, the center bar clamps the center of the blank against themandrel, and the die 2' bends one of its edges down to the positionindicated in Fig. 4r. Then the dies L are advanced by the depression ofthe wedges N to bend and flange the blank. The dies K are advanced toform the curved downturned and upturned hooks on the edges of the sheet,respectively, by the depression of the wedges K. These operations havingbeen completed, the wedges are elevated and the clamp raised slightly,leaving the centerclamping-bar against the blank to hold it. The formersF are then free to be retracted, which operation is performed by thearms fand cams f, the said formers being immediately advanced again, soas to curl the blank down around the mandrel, the operation of advancingbeing continued until the formers are tight against the mandrel andtheir lower edges substantially across the meeting edges of the blank,whereby the metal in the hooked edges is crowded together and is causedby the circular initial formation given to the hooks to curl up into arelatively tight and strong seam. The complete can-body having beenheaded is discharged from the mandrel by reciprocating pushers R Fig.15, which may be reciprocated by any preferred mechanism, but arepreferably connected directly with the casting Q and in order to insurethe engagement of the pushers R with the body of the can each of thepushers is provided with a spring-pressed engager E, Fig. 16, whichtends to stand out a slight distance beyond the periphery of themandrel; but at the same time the springs which hold the engagers Routwardly are comparatively light and do not interfere with the formingof the can-body around the mandrel by the formers during their advancemovement.

Any suitable mechanism may be employed to conduct the can-bodies awayfrom the machine as they are discharged from the mandrel.

The sequence of movements of the various parts is of course regulated bythe proper formation of the cams on the main drive-shaft B and should besuch as to enable all the operations described to be carried onautomatically and without attention on the part of the attendant.

In the embodiment of the invention which I have illustrated for theformation of angular-bodied or rectangular vessels, Figs. and 21, theformers are made to conform to the contour of the mandrel, with the lineof division between the formers at one corner of the mandrel, and theoperation of the parts is identical in all respects with the operationof the parts heretofore described in connection with the cylindricalmandrel; but in order that the sides of the blank may be depressed asufficient distance to insure their being turned in around the mandrelas the formers advance the depressors in this instance are made, asshown at Z, to conform to the upper angle of the mandrel, and when themandrels retreat after the blank has been edged they press theblank'down over the upper movement and will be turned or Wrapped aroundthe mandrel, as before described.

In the foregoing specification the word mandrel I wish to be understoodas being used in the broadest sense and to include any device aboutwhich the can body may be formed and as illustrating some of thedifferent forms which the mandrel may take. I have shown in Figs. 28 and28 a mandrel in which the effective surfaces are located atdiametrically opposite points, one of the said surfaces Z containing thegroove for the seam and the other of said surfaces Z forming thecooperating surface against which the clamp works. So, too, in Figs. 29and 29 I have illustrated a skeleton mandrel for formingrectangular-bodied vessels. The cornerbars Z it will be seen, constitutethe effective surfaces, and the seam is formed against one of thesecorner-bars.

It will appear from the foregoing specification that by this invention asheet-metal bodyblank is gripped and made into a complete sheet-metalcan or vessel without changing or releasing the grip. While this plan ofmanipulating a blank is shown in the drawings in its application to buttwo forms of vesselsviz., round and squareit is nevertheless capable ofmuch wider application. With suitable modifications vessels of conical,pyramidal, and other shapes may be readily produced, and the inventionis, in fact, applicable in the production of all sizes, shapes, andkinds of seamed sheet-metal wares, vessels, utensils, and packages.

The blank herein illustrated and described is not claimed in thisapplication, the same being reserved for a divisional application.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent of the United States of America, 15-- 1. Incan-making machinery for forming can-bodies from blanks having edgesformed into hooks curved in cross-section, a mandrel around which thebody is formed combined with formers, movable relatively thereto, forWrapping the blank around the mandrel and simultaneously seaming thecurved hook edges together, whereby the employment of a seamingmechanism independent of the formers is obviated.

2. In can-making machinery for forming can-bodies from blanks havingedges formed into hooks curved in cross-section, a mandrel around whichthe body is formed, formers, movable relatively thereto, having facesconforming to the contour of the mandrel for wrapping the blank aroundthe mandrel and simultaneously seaming the curved hook edgestogether,with a space between the faces of the mandrel and formers atthe seamingpoint for the accommodation of the seam, whereby theemployment of seaming mechanism independent of the formers is obviated.

3. In can-making machinery for forming can-bodies from blanks havingedges formed with hooks curved in cross-section, a mandrel around whichthe body is formed, formers, movable relatively thereto, having facesconforming to the contour of the mandrel for wrapping the blank aroundthe mandrel and simultaneously seaming the curved hook edges together,the proximate faces of the mandrel and formers at the seaming-pointbeing separated a distance equal to the thickness of the seam, wherebythe employment of seaming mechanism independent of the formers isobviated.

4. In can-making machinery for forming can-bodies from blanks havinghook edges, a mandrel around which the blank is wrapped, combined withformers movable in opposite directions to form the blank andhaving-edges adapted to come together across the seamingpoint wherebythe edges of the body are secured together; substantially as described.

5. In can-making machinery for forming can-bodies from blanks havinghook edges, a

mandrel around which the blank is wrapped,

formers movable in opposite directions for Wrapping the blank around themandrel, the proximate faces of the mandrel and formers at themeeting-point between the formers being separated for the accommodationof the same.

6. In can making machinery a mandrel having a longitudinal groove in oneside, combined with can-body formers for Wrapping the body-blank aroundthe mandrel, said formers being adapted to meet across the said groovewhereby the hooked edges of the blank will be forced into the groove bythe formers to form the side seam of the body.

'7. In can-making machinery,a mandrel and a clamp working against themandrel on one side, combined with formers having faces for embracingthe mandrel and edges adapted to come together on the side of themandrel opposite the clamp to scam the edges of a hookededge blank.

, 8. In can-forming machinery, the combination with means for formingreverse hooks on opposite edges of the blank, a mandrel and a clamp forclamping the blank to the mandrel, of oppositely-arranged formers havingfaces for embracing the mandrel and having projecting edges adapted tocome together on the side of the mandrel opposite the clamp to seam thehooked edges of the blank together.

9. In can-forming machinery, the combination with a mandrel having agroove in one side, dies for forming reverse hooks on opposite edges ofa body-blank of substantially the cross-sectional contour of the grooveand a clamp for holding the blank against the side of the mandrelopposite the groove, of oppositely arranged formers for wrapping theblank around the mandrel, said formers having extended edges adapted tomeet across the groove to force the hooks together and form the seam;substantially as described.

10. In can-making machinery, a mandrel having a longitudinal groove, thewall of which is substantially smooth and curved in cross-sectioncombined with means for forcing the meeting edges of a blanktransversely into said groove whereby said edges are caused to curl upinto a seam approximately round in cross-section; substantially asdescribed.

11. In can-making machinery, the combination with a mandrel, dies forforming hook edges on the blank arranged on each side of the mandrel andformers for wrapping the edged blank around the mandrel, arranged in thesame plane transversely of the mandrel, of a clamp also arranged in thesame plane transversely of the mandrel and means for moving the clampinto engagement with the blank prior to the engagement of the diestherewith, for holding the blank both While being edged and wrapped;substantially as described. q

12. In can-making machinery, the combina tion with a mandrel aroundwhich the bodyblank is bent and a pair of oppositely-arrangedreciprocating formers having operative faces for embracing the mandrel,of a clamp for holding the blank against the mandrel and depressors fordepressing the ends of the blank into position to engage with theoperative faces of the formers; substantially as described.

13. In can-making machinery, the combination with a mandrel andoppositely-arranged reciprocating formers adapted to bend the blankaround the same, of a clamp arranged above said mandrel, spring-presseddepressors carried by said clamp on each side of the mandrel fordepressing the edges of the blank and means for reciprocating said clampas set forth.

14. In can-making machinery, the combination with a mandrel,oppositely-arranged reciprocating formers adapted to embrace saidmandrel and mechanism for reciprocating the same simultaneously inopposite directions, of dies carried by said formers for cooperatingwith the edges of the blank and mechanism codperating with said dies foradvancing the same to bend the edges of the blank; substantially asdescribed.

15; In can-making machinery, the combination with a mandrel, andoppositelyarranged reciprocating formers, dies mounted in Ways on saidformers and adapted to cooperate With the edges of the flat blank and aclamp for holding said blank against the surface of the formers,substantially as described.

16. In can-makin g machinery, the combination with the mandrel and theoppositely-arranged reciprocatory formers having recesses formed intheir upper surfaces, of dies mounted in said recesses and adapted tocooperate with the edges of the fiat blank, wedges cooperating with saiddies intermittently to advance the same when the formers are stationaryand a clamp for holding the body-blank while being operated on by thedies; substantially as described.

17. In can-forming machinery, the combination with the mandrel andoppositely-arranged reciprocatory formers having transverse recesses intheir upper faces, of dies working in said recesses and having groovesapproximately on a level with the top surface of the formers, a clampfor holding the bodyblank in position for cooperating with said dies andoperating mechanism adapted to engage With said dies for moving themindependently of the movement of the formers; substantially asdescribed.

18. In can-making machinery, the combination with a mandrel, formerscooperating with said mandrel and having a substantially flat uppersurface, and a clamp for holding the blank against said mandrel andupper surface of the formers having grooves or recesses therein, ofwedge-shaped dies working bctween said clamp and formers for setting themetal of the blank into said grooves or recesses and means for Operatingsaid wedgeshaped dies independently of the movement of the formers;substantially as described.

19. In can-forming machinery, the combination with the'mandrel, andopposite reciprocatory formers having transverse and longitudinalrecesses in their upper faces, of horizontally-workingdies mounted insaid transverse recesses and wedge-shaped longitudinally-Working diesmounted in said longitudinal recesses with means for advancing said diesand a clamp for holding the bodyblank against the surface of the mandreland formers intermediate the dies; substantially as described.

20. In can-making machinery, thecombination with the mandrel, andoppositely-reciprocatingformers forbending the blank around the mandrel,of dies movably mounted on said formers for edging the blank, a clampfor holding the intermediate portion of the blank and vertically-movablewedges moving into and out of engagement with said dies for advancingthe same independently of the formers and whereby when said Wedges areout of engagement the formers may be moved without interference.

21. In can-making machinery,the combination with two body-formingmechanisms arranged back to back, of a pusher intermediate saidbody-forming mechanisms for delivering body-blanks alternately to thebodyforming mechanisms, and a common driveshaft for operating saidpusher and both of the body-forming mechanisms; substantially asdescribed.

22. In an organized machine for making vessels from sheet metal blanks,a blankclamping and body-forming mechanism combined with avessel-heading mechanism coop crating with the body while held by theblankclamping and body-forming mechanisms.

23. In can-making machinery, a mandrel, means for clamping a sheet-metalblank on the mandrel, means for Wrapping the blank around the mandrel toform a vessel-body and means for applying a head to the body while stillclamped on the mandrel; substantially as described.

. 24. In can-making machinery,a fixed mandrel, and a clamp for holding asheet-metal blank against said mandrel, of formers for embracing themandrel and forming the vessel-body and a heading-die arranged in theaxial line of the mandrel for cooperation with the body while clamped onthe mandrel, whereby a vessel is formed Without a bodily movement of theblank; substantially as described.

25. In can-making machinery,the combination with the mandrel, andoppositely-arran ged'reciprocatory formers for bending the body-blankaround the mandrel, of a headingdie arranged in the axial line of themandrel and adapted to cooperate with the end of the can-body while saidbody is held by the formers; substantially as described.

26. In can-forming machinery, the combination with the mandrel, theoppositely-arranged reciprocating formers cooperating with said mandrelfor clamping the bodyblank thereto and forming a seam, of a heading-diearranged and reciprocating in the axial line of the mandrel. to head theblank while held by the formers and having a range of movement greaterthan the length of the can-body, whereby when said heading-die isretracted the can-body may be discharged endwise from the mandrel;substantially as described.

27. In can-forming machinery, the combination with the body-formingmechanism, of dies for hooking the edge of the body-blank having thegroove 7;, projection i and recess k substantially as described.

28. In can-forming machinery, the combination with the mandrel, of theoppositelyarranged reciprocatory formers provided with concave facesadapted to embrace said mandrel, one of said formers carrying a movablefinger projecting inwardly from its concave face whereby one of theedges of the blank is caused to curve inwardly ahead of the other;substantially as described.

29. In can-forming machinery, the combination with the fixed mandrelhaving a longitudinal groove in one of its sides, of theoppositely-arranged reciprocatory formers having concave faces adaptedto embrace said mandrel and projecting edges adapted to extend over saidgroove when the formers are advanced and amovable finger projectingwithin the concavity of one of said formers for directing one of theedges of the blank inside of the other edge of the blank; substantiallyas described.

. 30. In can-forming machinery, the combination with the body-formingmechanism and drive-shaft, of a pusher for advancing the blanks to thebody-forming mechanism, a lever operated by the drive-shaft for movingsaid pusher and pushersfor discharging a completed body-connected withsaid lever at a point between its fulcrum and its connection with theblank and pusher; substantially as described.

31. In can-forming machinery, the combination with the body-formingmechanism and pusher for feeding the blanks thereto, with mechanism forreciprocating said pusher, of a transversely-operating pusher foradvancing the blanks into line with the body-forming mechanism andconnections between said pushers, embodying a bell-crank lever, wherebyone pusher is operated by the other and at right angles thereto.

32. In an organized machine for making sheet-metal vessels from flatmetal blanks, a fixed mandrel around which the blank is bent,

means for clamping the blank against the mandrel, means for hooking theedges of the flat blank while so clamped against the mandrel, and meansfor wrapping the blank around the mandrel and forming the seam whilestill clamped against the mandrel, whereby the body is formed without abodily movement of the blank; substantially as described.

EDWARD SMALL.

Witnesses:

ALEXANDER J. STEUART, THOMAS DURANT.

